The academic year has not yet started at Birzeit University. For last two weeks the students have been on strike and have closed the most prestigious University in Palestine. They refused to start classes if the increase in tuition fees goes ahead.The added fees will increase the tuition by 5%. The fees per hour was increased by $6 for new students and $3 for existing students

In a statement given by the University Administration on the Student closure of the Campus released this Wednesday, the students’ forcible closure of the campus over an increase in tuition fees was condemned.
They emphasized that “The university seeks to promote higher education, even among those who may have difficulty affording it.” and continue by explaining that “the university offered more than 3 million JDs in assistance, helping more than 4,000 students. Meanwhile, the university's deficit has risen to almost 3 million JDs as a result of the deterioration in subsidies from the Palestinian government in supporting higher education.”
The government has cut its annual support for the university by half - from JD 1,193,831 to only JD 419, 392.

Birzelt administration hopes to find a compromise quickly to avoid cancelling the semester. Students have promised to continue the movement until they succeed.